FEHB · Health Benefits
FEHB Premium Calculator
Compare Federal Employee Health Benefits plans and your share of the 2026 premium — as an active employee or a retiree. Filter by carrier, plan type, and coverage; every premium recomputes live.
Reviewed by Jonathan D., 20-year federal employee · Formulas verified against OPM.gov ·
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Showing 10 plans for Self Only coverage, active employees. Costs shown are your share of the 2026 premium.
| Plan | Type | Coverage | Biweekly | Monthly | Annual | At retirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEP Blue FocusLowest cost Blue Cross Blue Shield Association | Fee-for-Service | Nationwide | $66.82 | $144.77 | $1,737.19 | $144.77 |
MHBP Value Plan Mail Handlers Benefit Plan | Fee-for-Service | Nationwide | $67.80 | $146.89 | $1,762.74 | $146.89 |
GEHA HDHP Government Employees Health Association | High Deductible Health Plan | Nationwide | $81.62 | $176.84 | $2,122.06 | $176.84 |
Aetna Direct Aetna Life Insurance Company | Fee-for-Service | Nationwide | $82.39 | $178.52 | $2,142.27 | $178.52 |
GEHA Standard Option Government Employees Health Association | Fee-for-Service | Nationwide | $86.75 | $187.95 | $2,255.44 | $187.95 |
MHBP Standard Option Mail Handlers Benefit Plan | Fee-for-Service | Nationwide | $93.89 | $203.44 | $2,441.27 | $203.44 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan - Basic Option Blue Cross Blue Shield Association | Fee-for-Service | Nationwide | $133.77 | $289.84 | $3,478.02 | $289.84 |
APWU Health Plan - High Option American Postal Workers Union | Fee-for-Service | Nationwide | $140.16 | $303.68 | $3,644.16 | $303.68 |
Aetna HealthFund HDHP Aetna Life Insurance Company | High Deductible Health Plan | Nationwide | $154.76 | $335.31 | $4,023.76 | $335.31 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan - Standard Option Blue Cross Blue Shield Association | Fee-for-Service | Nationwide | $188.32 | $408.03 | $4,896.32 | $408.03 |
About these premiums
Active employees: the government contributes up to 72–75% of the premium.
Retirees: pay the same share as active employees — there is no premium penalty for retiring.
2026 max government contribution: Self Only $324.76 · Self Plus One $711.17 · Self & Family $778.03 (biweekly).
A sample of major carriers shown — full OPM data lists 300+ plans.
Your pension pays these premiums
In retirement, your FEHB premium comes straight out of your FERS annuity. Estimate that pension so you know what is left after coverage.
How the government contribution works
The government pays the lesser of 72% of the weighted-average premium across all plans, or 75% of your specific plan's premium. Lower-cost plans get a larger effective subsidy.
| Enrollment type | Max gov / biweekly | Max gov / monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Self Only | $324.76 | $703.65 |
| Self Plus One | $711.17 | $1,540.87 |
| Self and Family | $778.03 | $1,685.73 |
2026 update: the average enrollee share rose 12.3% — the second consecutive year of double-digit increases. Comparing plans carefully during Open Season is the best way to control your share. Read our complete 2026 FEHB Premiums guide for plan-by-plan breakdowns.
FEHB plan types explained
PPO / Fee-for-Service
Most flexible. See any doctor; file claims for out-of-network reimbursement.
Best for: those wanting low-restriction, nationwide access
HMO (Health Maintenance Org.)
Lower premiums. Use network doctors and get PCP referrals for specialists.
Best for: cost-conscious enrollees in a covered region
HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan)
Lowest premiums, highest deductibles. Paired with an HSA for triple tax advantage.
Best for: healthy enrollees who can save via an HSA
POS (Point of Service)
A hybrid: HMO-style in network, PPO-style out of network, with referrals.
Best for: those wanting both structure and some flexibility
The FEHB 5-year rule for retirement
Critical requirement
To continue FEHB into retirement, you must be continuously enrolled (in FEHB, TRICARE, or CHAMPVA) for the five years immediately before your retirement date.
→Start early: enroll in FEHB at least five years before your planned retirement.
→No gaps allowed: coverage must be continuous — even a 1-day gap can disqualify you.
→TRICARE counts: time covered by TRICARE or CHAMPVA counts toward the five years.
✕Spouse coverage: being covered under a spouse's FEHB does not satisfy the requirement.
2026 HSA contribution limits
High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) pair with a Health Savings Account for significant tax advantages.
2026 HSA limits
Self Only$4,400
Family$8,750
Age 55+ catch-up+ $1,000
HSA triple tax advantage
1Contributions reduce taxable income
2Earnings grow tax-free
3Withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free
FEHB and Medicare at age 65
At 65 you become eligible for Medicare. Understanding how the two work together is key to maximizing coverage while minimizing cost.
How coordination works
•FEHB continues regardless of Medicare enrollment
•If enrolled in both, Medicare pays first and FEHB covers the remainder
•Many retirees switch to a lower-cost FEHB plan at 65
•FEHB does not reduce coverage if you do not enroll in Medicare
Medicare Part B decision (2026)
•Part B premium: $206.50/month (2026)
•Part B is optional with FEHB coverage
•Consider enrolling if you have frequent healthcare needs
•Skipping Part B is reasonable if you are healthy and prefer lower total costs
Strategy: at 65, consider switching to a lower-premium FEHB plan once Medicare handles most medical expenses — and save the difference.
Keep going
Plan your FERS pension
Your FEHB premiums in retirement are paid from your annuity. Estimate the pension that funds them.
Self Plus One vs. Self & Family
Which enrollment tier actually costs less for your household — the math is often counterintuitive.
FEHB + Medicare Part B at 65
Whether to take Part B when you keep FEHB, and how the two coordinate to cut out-of-pocket costs.
2026 FEHB Premiums: Full Breakdown
Plan-by-plan premium changes for the 2026 plan year, with the biggest movers called out.
TSP Growth & Withdrawal Calculator
Project the retirement savings that, alongside your FERS pension, cover healthcare costs in retirement.
Related guides & resources
Deep dives on FEHB premiums, retirement coverage, and federal benefits planning.